Plumtree podcaster expands solo show into full media network

Ronald Mpofu

A podcaster from the border town of Plumtree is making waves in the local media landscape, transforming his one-man operation into a fully-fledged network dedicated to telling the community’s stories.

Nhlanhla Joseph Ncube, popularly known as Forbes, who founded “The Forbes Podcast,” has announced a major rebrand with the launch of “The Forbes Podcast Network.”

The development marks his decision to step back from being the sole voice of the platform and open it up to a wider range of contributors.

The podcast has brought in four new local hosts — Edson Ndlovu, Ryan Mthombeni, Patience Ndlovu and Cleopatra Mpofu.

The newly established network will initially feature a separate channel, “Chillers Podcast,” which will focus on Plumtree’s entertainment scene.

“We decided to rebrand and make it a podcast network. We are launching with two podcasts: The Forbes Channel and The Chillers Podcast. The Forbes Channel focuses on the Plumtree community, shining a light on inspirational figures, while The Chillers Podcast mainly focuses on the Plumtree entertainment scene.”

Since its launch in 2022, Ncube’s original show has built up an extensive catalogue, with more than 50 episodes now available on YouTube. He says the new network will continue offering a diverse mix of content.

“With the network, our audience can expect a blend of inspirational interviews, educational discussions, and pure entertainment,” he said.

However, building a media venture in a small town has come with its own challenges. Ncube was candid about the obstacles he faces.

“The main challenges are the lack of adequate equipment to really polish the production quality. Also, Plumtree as a market is a bit small, so we might not get the large audience numbers we ultimately want,” he admitted.

Despite these difficulties, the expansion of The Forbes Podcast Network represents a significant step forward for local content creation in Plumtree, providing a dedicated platform for the town’s achievers and its vibrant entertainment scene.